A. Characteristics of the school or school district, the teachers, students, community that are related to the strategic plan or impact the strategic plan:
As is true for many school systems in Ohio, The Central Valley School District is facing many educational changes. Having earned the distinction as one of the best school systems in the state because of its high test scores, graduation rate, and the percentage of students who go on to college, Central Valley is committed to retaining its top educational status. Although it hasn't had a levy on the ballot in four years, Central Valley plans to ask voters to pass an operating levy sometime in 2010. It knows that in order to be successful in this quest, Central Valley has to continue to provide the quality education for which the town is reputable.
The district's administration feels that the opportunity to provide online classes is a logical progression to stay current in education. It believes that online classes are not just the current trend but a very applicable way of meeting a variety of learners' needs while enabling the system to expand its Credit Flex options.
The teachers who are most affected by the onset of online class offerings are the high school teachers since the classes being offered are available for 9 - 12 graders only. Central Valley High School teachers have varied feelings about this educational change. Approximately 2/3 are accepting of the offering of some online classes, but others aren't quite as receptive. The latter faction questions both the educational quality of online classes as well as the effect it will have on teachers' job security.
A ten-year veteran teacher refers to the offerings by wearily advising, "We're digging our own graves!" Others counter with the concept that, like it or not, distance learning is here to stay, and Central Valley might as well get on the bandwagon.
Teachers at the middle school and elementary buildings are somewhat cautious about the online offerings as well. Some fear for their jobs because they realize that many high school teachers are licensed to teach grades K-8 so they could "bump" positions in other buildings if their high school jobs became eliminated due to online classes.
Central Valley High School students fall into the category of the Millennial Generation. They grew up with technology and would rather be engaged than lectured to. Online classes particularly appeal to nontraditional students who may reject the idea of a "face-to-face" class for a variety of reasons. These reasons may include inability to fit an elective into their schedule, the advantage of being able to progress through the class at their own pace, and a multitude of physical and/or emotional health situations.
The community of Central Valley is not only supportive of innovative educational changes in their school system, but they expect a high level of quality for the traditionally excellent Central Valley Schools. With the current economic situation, however, the community also expects that all decisions be financially prudent. Although community members want the most up-to-date innovations to be implemented by the Central Valley School District, the city of Central Valley has also felt the impact of rising unemployment and foreclosure rates. They expect the school board and administrators to do more with less just as many residents are being forced to do. The idea of implementing online classes could be well received if "the price is right". Talk of an upcoming levy in 2010 has produced a variety of undertones with an equally diverse variety of support levels.
B. How the plan meets or facilitates the achievement of specific local, state, and/or national techology standards:
The strategic plan designed to implement online class offerings at Central Valley High School allows students to achieve the following National Educational Technology Standards:
#1 - Creativity and Innovation - students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
Specifically students will accomplish this by
applying existing knowledge to generate new ideas and processes
creating original works as a means of personal or group expression
using models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
#2 - Communication and collaboration - students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
Specifically, students will accomplish this by:
interacting, collaborating and publishing with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
communicating information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats
developing cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures
contributing to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.
#3 - Research and Information Fluency - students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
Specifically, students will do this by:
locating, organizing, analyzing, evaluating, synthesizing, and ethically using information from a variety of sources and media
processing data and reporting results
#4 - Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making - students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
Specifically students will do this by:
identifying and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation
ยทplanning and managing activities to develop a solution or complete a project
collecting and analyzing date to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions
using a variety of processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solution
#5 - Digital Citizenship - students understand human, cultural, and society issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.
Specifically students will accomplish this by:
advocating and practicing safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology
exhibiting a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity
demonstrating personal responsibility for lifelong learning
#6 - Technology Operations and Concepts - students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
Specifically students will accomplish this by:
understanding and using technology systems
selecting and using applications effectively and productively
The strategic plan designed to implement online class offerings at Central Valley High School allows teachers to achieve the following National Educational Technology Standards:
#1 - Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity - teachers use their knowledge of subject of matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
Specifically teachers will accomplish this by:
engaging students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources
modeling collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments
#2 - Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments - teachers design, develop and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the National Educational Technology Standards for Students.
Specifically teachers will accomplish this by:
designing relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
developing technology-enriched learning environments that enable students to pursue their own curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress
#3 - Model Digital-Age Work and Learning - teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.
Specifically teachers will accomplish this by
demonstrating fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations
collaborating with students, peers, parents and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation
communicating relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats
#4 - Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility - teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.
Specifically teachers will accomplish this by:
advocating, modeling and reaching safe, legal and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources
addressing the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources
#5 - Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership - teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.
Specifically teachers will accomplish this by:
exhibiting leadership by showing a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others
The strategic plan designed to implement online class offerings at Central Valley High School allows administrators to achieve the following National Educational Technology Standards:
#1 - Visionary Leadership - Educational Administrators inspire and lead development and implementation of a shared vision for comprehensive integration of technology to promote excellence and support transformation throughout the organization.
Specifically administrators will do this by
inspiring and facilitating among all stakeholders a shared vision of purposeful change that maximizes use of digital-age resources to meet and exceed learning goals, support effective instructional practice, and maximize performance of district and school leaders
engaging in an ongoing process to develop, implement, and communicate technology-infused strategic plans aligned with a shared vision
#2 - Digital-Age Learning Culture - Educational Administrators create, promote, and sustain a dynamic, digital-age learning culture that provides a rigorous, relevant, and engaging education for all students.
Specifically administrators will do this by
ensuring instructional innovation focused on continuous improvement of digital-age learning
modeling and promoting the frequent and effective use of technology for learning
providing learner-centered environments equipped with technology and learning resources to meet the individual, diverse needs of all learners
#3 - Excellence in Professional Practice - Educational Administrators promote an environment of professional learning and innovation that empowers educators to enhance student learning through the infusion of contemporary technologies and digital resources.
Specifically administrators will do this by
allocating time, resources, and access to ensure ongoing professional growth in technology fluency and integration
stay abreast of educational research and emerging trends regarding effective use of technology and encouraging evaluation of new technologies for their potential to improve student learning
#4 - Systemic Improvement - Educational Administrators provide digital-age leadership and management to continuously improve the organization through the effective use of information and technology resources.
Leading purposeful change to maximize the achievement of learning goals through the appropriate use of technology and media-rich resources
Establishing and maintaining a robust infrastructure of technology including integrated, interoperable technology systems to support management, operations, teaching and learning
#5 - Digital Citizenship - Educational administrators model and facilitate understanding of social, ethical, and legal issues and responsibilities related to an evolving digital culture.
Specifically administrators will do this by
Trust - It is imperative that all key players are committed to this project. In addition, other stakeholders including students, parents, and community members must be on board with this project to insure its success (Ellsworth, p. 71).
Communication - Proper marketing of these offerings is a must so that students, parents, community members, and anyone who is eligible to take these courses is aware of their availability (Ellsworth, p. 69).
Fiscal solvency - The courses must be cost-conservative (Ellsworth, p. 70).
Outstanding curriculum - The courses' curriculums have been well thought out and organized (Ellsworth, p. 68-69).
Training - The proper training on software and equipment being used must be provided to key players in a timely manner (Ellsworth, p. 68 - 69).
Meets the needs of the variety of alternative students who will take these courses - The course offerings must provide a welcome alternative to the faction of students who need an alternative method of earning high school credits for a variety of reasons (Ellsworth, p. 67 - 68).
D. Major considerations: school and community environment, technology issues, legal issues, social issues, external issues:
As was mentioned in part A, school and community environment issues are conducive and supportive of the advent of online class offerings in the Central Valley City School District. Some other major considerations are explained below:
Technology - The course management system known as Moodle will be used for the Financial Literacy online course. As a result, this system (a free open source software program) will be downloaded and maintained by the Central Valley Tech Department. In addition, since the software has so many uses and can be applicable for any employee, training will be provided in the future for all teachers to be able to use Moodle.
Another application that will be part of the Mandarin and Health online course offerings is the use of Tri-River Educational Computer Association's (TRECA) Digital Academy.
Legal issues - It is imperative that all course offerings be in alignment with the Senate Bill 311 Cred Flex requirements so that there are not legal issues. For example, if a parent from another district says "Why can't my child take Mandarin online from Central Valley?", we need to let them if possible.
Social issues - A possible issue may be the ongoing debate: Are online classes as educationally effective as face-to-face classes? Another issue is to make sure online classes are accessible for all students regardless of their disabilities.
External issues - An external issue that should be considered is the enrollment of students from outside the Central Valley Local School District in consideration of Credit Flex options available through Senate Bill 311.
E. Problems and opportunities - A problem that the offering of online classes will address is providing the availability and opportunity for a variety of learners to earn high school credits through an alternative to taking traditional face-to-face high school classes. This may be a feasible option for a variety of learners that may include, but are not limited to, teen-aged mothers, students who are housebound due to a variety of physical or mental illnesses, students who are unable to fit some of the online subjects into their schedules, and other nontraditional students. In addition to addressing these problems, the offering of online course may also provide opportunities for students to earn credits through these courses in order to free up their schedules to take over subjects that are offered at Central Valley High School.
F. The following table shows the primary people involved in implementing this strategic plan, their roles, and their responsibilities:
||
Position
Role
Responsibilities
Superintendent
Oversees the implementation of the online courses to make these offerings a reality.
appoints Principal, Curriculum Director and Tech Coordinator to the Project Team. All major decisions of this team must ultimately be approved by the Superintendent.
Principal
Head of Administrative Team
presides over Administrative Team; conducts meetings, communicates with the superintendent to keep him informed of strategic plan progress.
Curriculum Director
Head of Project Team
calls and presides over meetings with Project Team members. Presents decisions and findings of Project Team to the Superintendent for his approval.
Project Team Members:
Team member #1
Technology Coordinator
responsible for overseeing installation and operation of all required software for the online classes
Team member #2
High School Principal
Team member #3
Technology Dept. staff member
responsible for the physical installation and maintenance of all equipment
Foreign Language Committee:
Chairperson
Foreign Language Teacher
responsible for overseeing committee's work to ensure the proper development of the Mandarin classes' curriculums and operations
Health Committee:
Chairperson
Health/Phys. Ed. Teacher
responsible for overseeing committee's work to ensure the proper development of the Health class curriculum and operation
Financial Literacy Committee:
Chairperson
Social Studies Teacher
responsible for overseeing committee's work to ensure the proper development of the Financial Literacy class curriculum and operation
Communications Committee:
Chairperson
Building Secretary
Oversees the creation and distribution of all flyers and literature promoting online classes; prepares communications for all staff members involved in the online classes
Finance Committee:
Chairperson
Curriculum Director
Oversees committee responsible for prudent use of school system's and taxpayers' monies to finance the online course offerings.
Administrative Team Members:
Principal
Project Manager
Foreign Language Chairperson
Health Chairperson
Financial Literacy Chairperson
Head of Administrative Team
Oversees the creation of all rules written by team for successful operation of all online classes; makes sure instructors and students follows adopted procedures for online classes as created by the Administrative Team
Supervises creation and writing of rules governing online classes
Chairpersons of various committees are responsible for writing rules and procedures governing online classes under the supervision of the project manager
Developer
An outsourced temporary position; works with various staff members (teachers, counselors, secretaries,etc.) to learn how to use Moodle
Guidance Counselor
Oversees students' completion of online courses
Teacher for Financial Literacy
Social Studies Teacher
Will teach and facilitate online Financial Literacy classes
Analysis of the Situation:
A. Characteristics of the school or school district, the teachers, students, community that are related to the strategic plan or impact the strategic plan:
As is true for many school systems in Ohio, The Central Valley School District is facing many educational changes. Having earned the distinction as one of the best school systems in the state because of its high test scores, graduation rate, and the percentage of students who go on to college, Central Valley is committed to retaining its top educational status. Although it hasn't had a levy on the ballot in four years, Central Valley plans to ask voters to pass an operating levy sometime in 2010. It knows that in order to be successful in this quest, Central Valley has to continue to provide the quality education for which the town is reputable.
The district's administration feels that the opportunity to provide online classes is a logical progression to stay current in education. It believes that online classes are not just the current trend but a very applicable way of meeting a variety of learners' needs while enabling the system to expand its Credit Flex options.
The teachers who are most affected by the onset of online class offerings are the high school teachers since the classes being offered are available for 9 - 12 graders only. Central Valley High School teachers have varied feelings about this educational change. Approximately 2/3 are accepting of the offering of some online classes, but others aren't quite as receptive. The latter faction questions both the educational quality of online classes as well as the effect it will have on teachers' job security.
A ten-year veteran teacher refers to the offerings by wearily advising, "We're digging our own graves!" Others counter with the concept that, like it or not, distance learning is here to stay, and Central Valley might as well get on the bandwagon.
Teachers at the middle school and elementary buildings are somewhat cautious about the online offerings as well. Some fear for their jobs because they realize that many high school teachers are licensed to teach grades K-8 so they could "bump" positions in other buildings if their high school jobs became eliminated due to online classes.
Central Valley High School students fall into the category of the Millennial Generation. They grew up with technology and would rather be engaged than lectured to. Online classes particularly appeal to nontraditional students who may reject the idea of a "face-to-face" class for a variety of reasons. These reasons may include inability to fit an elective into their schedule, the advantage of being able to progress through the class at their own pace, and a multitude of physical and/or emotional health situations.
The community of Central Valley is not only supportive of innovative educational changes in their school system, but they expect a high level of quality for the traditionally excellent Central Valley Schools. With the current economic situation, however, the community also expects that all decisions be financially prudent. Although community members want the most up-to-date innovations to be implemented by the Central Valley School District, the city of Central Valley has also felt the impact of rising unemployment and foreclosure rates. They expect the school board and administrators to do more with less just as many residents are being forced to do. The idea of implementing online classes could be well received if "the price is right". Talk of an upcoming levy in 2010 has produced a variety of undertones with an equally diverse variety of support levels.
B. How the plan meets or facilitates the achievement of specific local, state, and/or national techology standards:
The strategic plan designed to implement online class offerings at Central Valley High School allows students to achieve the following National Educational Technology Standards:
#1 - Creativity and Innovation - students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
Specifically students will accomplish this by
- applying existing knowledge to generate new ideas and processes
- creating original works as a means of personal or group expression
- using models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
#2 - Communication and collaboration - students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.Specifically, students will accomplish this by:
#3 - Research and Information Fluency - students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
Specifically, students will do this by:
#4 - Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making - students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
Specifically students will do this by:
- identifying and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation
- ยทplanning and managing activities to develop a solution or complete a project
- collecting and analyzing date to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions
- using a variety of processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solution
#5 - Digital Citizenship - students understand human, cultural, and society issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.Specifically students will accomplish this by:
- advocating and practicing safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology
- exhibiting a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity
- demonstrating personal responsibility for lifelong learning
#6 - Technology Operations and Concepts - students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.Specifically students will accomplish this by:
The strategic plan designed to implement online class offerings at Central Valley High School allows teachers to achieve the following National Educational Technology Standards:
#1 - Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity - teachers use their knowledge of subject of matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
Specifically teachers will accomplish this by:
- engaging students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources
- modeling collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments
#2 - Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments - teachers design, develop and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the National Educational Technology Standards for Students.Specifically teachers will accomplish this by:
- designing relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
- developing technology-enriched learning environments that enable students to pursue their own curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress
#3 - Model Digital-Age Work and Learning - teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.Specifically teachers will accomplish this by
- demonstrating fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations
- collaborating with students, peers, parents and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation
- communicating relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats
#4 - Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility - teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.Specifically teachers will accomplish this by:
- advocating, modeling and reaching safe, legal and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources
- addressing the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources
#5 - Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership - teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.Specifically teachers will accomplish this by:
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm
The strategic plan designed to implement online class offerings at Central Valley High School allows administrators to achieve the following National Educational Technology Standards:
#1 - Visionary Leadership - Educational Administrators inspire and lead development and implementation of a shared vision for comprehensive integration of technology to promote excellence and support transformation throughout the organization.
Specifically administrators will do this by
- inspiring and facilitating among all stakeholders a shared vision of purposeful change that maximizes use of digital-age resources to meet and exceed learning goals, support effective instructional practice, and maximize performance of district and school leaders
- engaging in an ongoing process to develop, implement, and communicate technology-infused strategic plans aligned with a shared vision
#2 - Digital-Age Learning Culture - Educational Administrators create, promote, and sustain a dynamic, digital-age learning culture that provides a rigorous, relevant, and engaging education for all students.Specifically administrators will do this by
- ensuring instructional innovation focused on continuous improvement of digital-age learning
- modeling and promoting the frequent and effective use of technology for learning
- providing learner-centered environments equipped with technology and learning resources to meet the individual, diverse needs of all learners
#3 - Excellence in Professional Practice - Educational Administrators promote an environment of professional learning and innovation that empowers educators to enhance student learning through the infusion of contemporary technologies and digital resources.Specifically administrators will do this by
- allocating time, resources, and access to ensure ongoing professional growth in technology fluency and integration
- stay abreast of educational research and emerging trends regarding effective use of technology and encouraging evaluation of new technologies for their potential to improve student learning
#4 - Systemic Improvement - Educational Administrators provide digital-age leadership and management to continuously improve the organization through the effective use of information and technology resources.#5 - Digital Citizenship - Educational administrators model and facilitate understanding of social, ethical, and legal issues and responsibilities related to an evolving digital culture.
Specifically administrators will do this by
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForAdministrators/2009Standards/NETS_for_Administrators_2009.htm
C. Key factors that are necessary for success:
D. Major considerations: school and community environment, technology issues, legal issues, social issues, external issues:
As was mentioned in part A, school and community environment issues are conducive and supportive of the advent of online class offerings in the Central Valley City School District. Some other major considerations are explained below:
Another application that will be part of the Mandarin and Health online course offerings is the use of Tri-River Educational Computer Association's (TRECA) Digital Academy.
E. Problems and opportunities - A problem that the offering of online classes will address is providing the availability and opportunity for a variety of learners to earn high school credits through an alternative to taking traditional face-to-face high school classes. This may be a feasible option for a variety of learners that may include, but are not limited to, teen-aged mothers, students who are housebound due to a variety of physical or mental illnesses, students who are unable to fit some of the online subjects into their schedules, and other nontraditional students. In addition to addressing these problems, the offering of online course may also provide opportunities for students to earn credits through these courses in order to free up their schedules to take over subjects that are offered at Central Valley High School.
F. The following table shows the primary people involved in implementing this strategic plan, their roles, and their responsibilities:
||
Chairperson
Chairperson
Chairperson
Chairperson
Chairperson
Principal
Project Manager
Foreign Language Chairperson
Health Chairperson
Financial Literacy Chairperson
Supervises creation and writing of rules governing online classes
Chairpersons of various committees are responsible for writing rules and procedures governing online classes under the supervision of the project manager